So thought provoking. And reaffirming to me why books are so important. And also why reading and trying to understand books is so important. And why thinking in general is so important. And that I must use my knowledge to better society.
Another very well written work of fiction. This reads like poetry to me. It reads like an action film to Ben. (At least that's what he remembers from when he read it in high school.) Not a bad combination. Additionally, every character makes me want to hit something. I guess that's when you know you're reading something that speaks to you. Oh except maybe Clarisse. I hope to think like her.
Below are two excerpts I wanted to remember. The first is quoting the antagonist about why education is dangerous. The second is the professor's explanation of why we need books:
“Surely you remember the boy in school who was exceptionally ‘bright’, did most of the reciting and answering while the others sat there like so many leaden idols, hating him. And wasn’t it this bright boy you selected for beatings and tortures after hours? Of course it was. We must all be alike. Not everyone born free and equal, like the constitution says, but everyone made equal. Each man the image of every other; then all are happy, for there are no mountains to make them cower, to judge themselves. So! A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it.” p. 58
“The things you’re looking for Montag, are in the world, but the only way an average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book.” p. 86
Read it, read it.
Thanks for the quoted material. My book group just read CLOUD ATLAS (David Mitchell) -- a very challenging book about fate, complexity, virtue, freedom, and possibly a form of reincarnation. It's comprised of several sections and one has to do with a looming high-tech society that suppresses memory, burns records, and identifies its clones by number. One "failed" clone is 451, so it was nice to read your review and strengthen the connection. I'm not recommending the book -- it's tough and certainly violates some standards. (Would never be taught at the Y and there ARE more graceful reads that get to the same end. Just not in one book.)
ReplyDeleteKeep reading and posting.